UB statement on reaching 100-case threshold

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Although the University at Buffalo has reached the New York State higher education threshold of 100 on-campus positive COVID-19 cases, UB will continue with in-person instruction until the Thanksgiving break, which begins Nov. 25.

The university is continuing operations in order to complete its COVID-19 surveillance testing of on-campus students.

The decision was made in consultation with the Erie County and New York State health departments, as well as SUNY. Guidance previously issued by the state required SUNY colleges and universities to immediately transition to remote learning when they hit the 100-case threshold for on-campus coronavirus cases.

UB currently has 100 on-campus positive cases for the two-week period that runs from Nov. 7 to Nov. 20.

The university’s low positivity rate – 0.44% compared to near 7% in Erie County over a rolling seven-day average – and extensive SUNY-mandated pre-break surveillance testing factored into the decision.

Approximately 12,000 UB students, faculty and staff have completed the SUNY-mandated pre-Thanksgiving break surveillance testing since Nov. 9.

As previously planned, UB will transition to remote learning on Nov. 30 for the remainder of the fall semester, which ends Dec. 21.